A Real Direct Sales Encounter- Not for the faint of heart

This is the first of many tried and true encounters of a direct selling woman. If you have any to share, please comment.

I'll call this one Nightmare on Vendor Street

Standing at my Booth at a vendor fair one Saturday morning I see a gentleman approaching. He was bouncing a tennis ball with his racket as he swaggered closer to my rented 10x10 territory.

I thought to myself, "This guy looks a little paunchy, fifty something, probably married, maybe he'll bring something home for his wife" Ok, I know I was wrong for prejudging. It's just one of those human nature things.

Anyway, He walked right up to me,stopped bouncing his ball, glanced vaguely over my display and asked "This is one of those direct sales things?" "How long have you been doing this?" My teethy reply, "Yes it is. I have been in direct sales for years. Have you ever heard of us or tried these products?"

This is where it gets good. Keep reading.

He then says "Na, what do you get out of it anyway?" resumes the ball bouncing and tells me about how his wife got involved in one of these things and how he doesn't understand the whole cultish recruitment thing and how he leaves her alone about it because ""She actually believes she is doing something good for people and it frees up his time when she's busy""

So now I have to think quickly to come up with an appropriate response to maintain any level of professionalism. While In my mind I am thinking "You Pompous Ars. Get your negative self away from my space!" Well, I did manage to hold back my true feelings, which anyone who knows me will tell you that is rare for verbal myrtle over here. I did however respond by saying "It sounds like your wife and I would get along well as we share similar views and similar businesses"

Needless to say, no purchase was made or business information exchanged.

On his merry way he went most likely to shoot down the next direct sales person in line. No idea what this guy's purpose was that day nor do I know his wife. I just hope his poor attitude did not get in the way of her path to do something meaningful.

Getting Down to Earth

Undoubtedly you have heard all the rave about the"" Million Dollar Makeup"".
Better know as mineral makeup.originating in the mid 70's, thirty some odd years later it has swept the world with popularity and an exploding market.

I hear some claim it is the best coverage control, feels so natural and they will never use anything again, others claim it makes them itch or attaches itself to wrinkles and go back to liquid foundations.

I personally love my mineral powder, but I will admit I have gone through 4 or 5 brands before I found something I was completely happy with, some from very popular or pricey cosmetic lines. The truth is, I may have gotten a deal on some of them I couldn't resist so I avoided doing any research about the ingredients and why my skin was reacting poorly to them. My word of advice:

BUYER BEWARE! Here are some important tips to help you in your quest for the perfect mineral powder and how to properly use it.

First, not all mineral makeup is the same. Some contain bismuth ochychloride, talc,and synthetics like paraben preservatives and other fillers. Bismuth oxychloride is considered a skin irritant and can cause itching and rashes and in large amounts it can cause cystic acne as well.

If you are someone with sensitive skin, acne or rosacea the ingredients mentioned above in your mineral powder might be the reason you were uncomfortable in it. Even well cared for healthy skin may see an unpleasant reaction to the above.

What you want to see are Minerals like zinc and titanium which are non-irritating and have inflammatory properties. Mineral makeups containg these can have a calming effect on the skin and can be used on all skin types.

A good mineral powder will be non-comedongenic, so it won't clog pores, and it's not going to aggravate an acne condition or cause a flare-up as easily as some traditional makeups may.

Mineral makeup is also used for corrective purposes. It can be used to even out the skin
tone and lessen the redness in the skin. Perfect shading can be found for all skin types as
the colors of the makeup can be as sheer or as intense as you like.

Jordan essentials does offer a 100% natural mineral makeup.
If you have searched the world over (like me) and literally tossed foundations into the trash, Your search may be over.

The Right Choice of Mineral Make up Powder and Benefits:
-made from mineral pigments and other natural ingredients.
These minerals give long lasting lightweight coverage while allowing your skin to
breathe, unlike talc or Bismuth Oxychloride based products that can clog pores and
damage skin. Our mineral make-up contains all natural aluminum free Titanium Dioxide
and Zinc Oxide which provides a natural sun protection without irritating chemicals.

Wether you love mineral makeup or love to hate it, I would enjoy hearing your experiences with Brands other than Jordan Essentials. If you would like to try ours, I would be most happy to give you that opportunity at a personal visit with you, at a spa party or sample in the mail.

Celebrate the perfect foundation!
Kathy Miranda
-Honor the past. Live the Present. Create the Future.
All American Made bath/body/spa for the whole family
Check it out:
https://www.myjestore.com/Kathy

Your Secret Garden

A conversation between myself and a networking friend arose recently. We were talking about this and that. Little business mixed with personal and a few wise cracks in between. She said something, that quite frankly suprised me. I don't remember exactly how she phrased it. It was something to the affect of "You are a great networker, always say the nicest things to people in the networks and you're so supportive. You're Nice"

Me? I thought. Nice? ha ha ha ho ho ho. I nearly fell off my chair. But it sure did feel good to hear it. My reply was exactly this "No, I am not always nice, but I do always care" How does this relate to a Secret Garden? It really is no secret and certainly not patented by me.

Let's think of our different networks of friends, warm market and cold alike. This is your garden. This is where you meet new people. This is where you build relationships. This is where you receive referrals. This is where you ultimately see results. Something Grows.

How will your garden grow?
Simplicity. Nurture your garden with CARE.
Be Sincere and Accountable in your intentions and expect the same from others. Be Involved. Build trust. Give others a chance to be on top.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
- Maya Angelou quotes


Don't Kill Your Crops

Lip service is a bad seed. Get it out of your garden and get it out quick. You'll know who constantly makes promises without sincere intentions of following through.

Negativity and Gossip. These are your Locust.
They form bands as nymphs and swarms as adults—both of which can travel great distances, rapidly stripping fields and greatly damaging crops.

Greed- one of the seven deadly sins.

Allowing or contributing these types of behavior into your garden will only hinder growth for all involved.

Finally, do not expect immediate results. Building any network, customer base, relationship, anything in life takes Care, Nurturing, Patience and many times pounds of dirt.

Complimentary Mineral Makeup Tutorial for You

I can hardly believe it is Setember 1 already. Seasons are about to change again. So much has happened over the past few months. Changes in daily life, changes in relationships, changes in career choices. Everything has a Season. I am looking forward to see and experience what new and exciting changes the upcoming season will bring for all of us.

I wanted to share this short, but informative tutorial with you. I am now using all Jordan essentials skin Care and Makeup and extremely pleased with the results.

ASK ME WHAT MY NEW FAVORITE PRODUCT IS.
hint: it is blue

Also please remember if you were interested in getting a chance at winning the $200 Extreme host makeover, that ends on September 25.
Call or email me for details. It's very simple and easy to do.

Here is your complimentary tutorial.
Enjoy!

http://play.goldmail.com/vxr0iy0hv97o

Kathy Miranda
-Honor the past. Live the Present. Create the Future.
All American Made bath/body/spa for the whole family
Check it out:
https://www.myjestore.com/Kathy

Visit Southern Belle Marketing

F-E-A-R

Some say it means
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real

Some say it plain old means being scared.
Some won't admit they have fear.
What does FEAR feel like to you?

I believe fear is a feeling that comes from choice. The choice to NOT know about how something feels. Maybe because is looks strange to us, so we think "if it looks strange then it must feel strange as well."

I feel fear really really strong when I'm faced with the possibility of touching a snake, a mouse or a frog! I just can't stand the thought of what they will do to my mind. Make my heart beat so fast. I couldn't possibly imagine understanding why they do what they do or why they even exist.

Over the years I have certainly come across people who have no idea why I do what I do (direct sales), and I'm willing to bet there are a few who wonder why I even exist! haha That's ok though. It's understood those are most likely the perfect examples of choosing NOT to know.

So how do you get to know something that's a little creepy looking without touching it first?

Think of a baby being introduced to new foods. Mama puts a little on the spoon and does the zoom zoom airplane, up to the lips, or a tiny fingertip taste. What happens?
Baby reluctantly sticks her tongue out to taste a tiny bit.
Sometimes she hates it, sometimes she loves it, sometimes Mama really doesn't know if she'll ever eat it again. The whole time Baby never touched it. She just tasted a little bit.

Ok, I'm not saying I'm about to taste snakes, mice or frogs to overcome my fear of them. But I'd be willing to find out what false evidence about them created my fear.

What about you? Are you stuck in Fear of what you don't know? Are you afraid if you try something new it will make your heart beat fast, make your mind spin, someone won't agree with you?

And if all the above did happen, Do you think something good could come from having faced a fear willingly?

Summer Spa drink recipes

Wanted to share some delicious recipe ideas for you to whip up for your guests at your Home Spa. These are easy and perfect on the Spa scene.

You Look Berry Pretty Smoothie
1 ¼ c soy milk
1 cup of strawberries
1 cup blue berries
2 cups crushed ice
¼ c sugar to taste
Whip ingredients in a blender and serve with sliced strawberry on top.


Think Pink Punch

1 liter of Cherry 7-Up or Diet Cherry 7-Up
1 pink lemonade powdered drink mix
2 cups ice
4 cups water
Place all ingredients in a pretty pitcher and enjoy in tall glasses.


Ice Ice Baby Coffee

Regular or Decaf coffee ground enough to make 1 c. per guest
1 tsp chocolate syrup
¼ c skim milk
4 tsp vanilla
½ tsp cinnamon
Combine coffee grounds, cinnamon and cocoa powder in a coffee pot brewing basket. Brew Coffee according to your coffee maker. Pour brewed coffee over ice, add skim milk, and vanilla. Top with whipped topping if you like and a little sprinkle of nutmeg. Enjoy!


Orange You Pampered Smoothie
4 oranges, peeled & sectioned
2 frozen banana, chunked
1/2 c. orange juice
4 T. yogurt
2 tsp. vanilla
Blend in blender until smooth. Serves 4.

Yum! Enjoy!

Recession Proof Your RT

You might be asking what RT is if you are a male. Us women know that term. Don't we girls? ""Retail Therapy""
There's nothing quite like it. The problem is it comes with a price and in the case of little disposable income there might be buyers remorse attached. That great new gadget or cute designer item will be exciting and fun to show off at first. Unfortunately, they do lose their excitement and appeal with time. Leaving us storing those items away, trying to sell them by way of the grueling garage sale experience or even filing them for the trash.

Leaves you thinking why did I spend that money just to trash an item I no longer enjoy or can't use. Perfect example of buyers remorse.

Here are a few ideas about how to keep your retail therapy in check and You feeling great about where the dollar goes during a financial downturn.

Do buy an Experience. Something that will leave you with a good memory or contribute to your families overall well being.
Something you will use or think of over and again and continue to appreciate.

-Before purchasing clothing, electronics or gadgets think about why. How will they add happy experiences to your life?

-When gifting, think the same way. How will your gift add a happy experience to the receivers life? Try gifting something that will make a difference for more than just the moment.

-Socialize more. Attend events, parties and occassions you are invited to by friends and family. Host your own get togethers too. Just because you are keeping watch of your spending doesn't mean you can't enjoy good company and lasting experiences.

-Find fun ways to add to your income. Is there something you love or something you are talented at? Create a business. This will keep your mind off money worries, keep you interactive and give you freedom to keep those extras in your life you so enjoy with the added income.

You can still live life to the fullest. Finding ways to enhance the little things through Experiences will make all the difference, and you can keep your RT in check.

Happy women work from home.

Who's Nose?

-Candle lovers
-massage therapists or massage clients
-those looking for therapuetic ambience
-just about anyone with a sense of smell

The sense of smell is actually very important and believed to affect 75% of our daily emotions. Some smells are noticeably comforting, enticing or exciting. The impact of smell on our emotional and mental well-being is so significant it has been linked to treatment of anxietyy, stress and even depression.


How Does Aromatherapy Work?
Fine hairs called cilia line the nose and convert the different aromas you inhale into electrical impulses, which are then carried by olfactory receptors located at the roof of your nose to the limbic system in the brain. This is the area of the brain associated with learning, memory, moods and emotions.

Physical benefits are many (not to be mistaken for cures for major illness), but do aide in the discomforts accompanied by them.

check off all that may apply to you or someone you know:

•relaxing muscles and relieving stress and anxiety
•reducing headaches
•improving sleep
•improving blood circulation
•improving skin tone
•stimulating appetite
•relieving menstrual cramps
•relieving lung congestion
•regulating hormones
•regulating moods (mood therapy)
•boosting the immune system to strengthen resistance to disease and infections

Here are the most commonly used methods of enjoying aromatherapy at home:

•simple inhalation, a candle
•via massage, including self-massage
•in a warm bath
•in lotions, shampoos, deodorant or other body-care product
•in a cold or warm compress (cold for headache, sprains or swelling, warm for earache or muscle pain)
•steam inhalation using oils and hot water
•air and room sprays
•diffusers

The Significance of Scents

Love, Companionship & Relationships:
The following scents signify different aspects of a relationship such as love, companionship,
affection, and adoration. These scents will make you feel more relaxed, comforted, and sexy.
· Black Raspberry Vanilla
· Coconut Papaya
· Lavender & Eucalyptus
· Peppermint (Happy Feet Spa Retreat)
· Refresh (Lemon, Lime, and Orange)
· Relax (Ylang ylang, Balsam, & Lavender)
· Vanilla Cream
· White Tea & Ginger

Goals, Gains, Money & Success
The scents that signify material success, along with money, profits and aims, include the
following fragrances. These are also scents of high energy.
· Refresh (Lemon, Lime, and Orange)
· Vine Ripened Honeysuckle

Protection, Harmony & Well Being
Signifying the overall harmony of a person are the following scents. They will make your soul
feel relaxed and peaceful.
· Coconut Papaya
· Grapefruit & Lime
· Lavender & Eucalyptus
· Oatmeal Milk & Honey
· Relax (Ylang ylang, Balsam, & Lavender)

Inspiration, & Intuition
If you are looking for essential oils with scents that signify inspiration, memories and intuition
See if you like:
· Cucumber Melon
· Lavender & Eucalyptus
· Pearberry
· Peppermint (Happy Feet Spa Retreat)
· Refresh (Lemon, Lime, Orange)

I personally like to layer my aromatherapy by using a body scrub, shower gel or soap, lotion and room/body spray and matching candle or diffuser.

To me there is nothing that lifts my spirits. clears my mind or adds confidence more than a little ambience and self pampering.

I hope you will think about adding some of the simple steps above to your lifestyle and benefit from your personal style of aromatherapy

Tributes and Tribulations

Have you consumed your daily, weekly, monthly dose of tribulations recently?

Wether you work out of the home as an employee or your work is home based or both, rest assured you can always count on some degree of opposition, challenge or what some may refer to as plain old bad luck.
Nothing is ever easy, nothing worth attaining anyway.

Tribulations start at birth and continue through our lives. We have no choice but to handle them, so why not pay Tribute to ourselves and others who manage their tribulations,

Today (Memorial Day) I would like to pay tribute to the following:

-Our past, present and future military and their families- for facing the challenges of missed loved ones, enduring uncomfortable and extreme living conditions, physical and psychological pain and dispair.

-The disabled or health impaired and their families - for facing the challenges of innability to do what others do an a daily basis, for resisting inacceptance, for the tears that are shed and for overcoming rejection.

-Religous Clergy- for serving their communities through God, bringing faith and hope to their congregations, and inspiring love for God and one another in our ceremonies and daily life.

-The American Worker- for serving others needs, accepting indignant clients coworkers or employees, for enduring poor weather conditions, tiresome work and long hours to make a living.

Who would you like to pay tribute to for managing tribulations?